There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of crispy chicken fried steak coated in golden, seasoned flour and smothered with creamy gravy. If you’ve been searching for the ultimate Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe, you’re in the right place—this is a Southern classic done just right, perfect for a hearty, satisfying dinner after a long day.

A white plate holds two pieces of golden brown fried chicken with a crispy, textured crust. On top of the chicken, there is a thick layer of creamy white gravy with small black pepper specks, unevenly spread over the center. To the right side of the plate, there is a small bunch of fresh green parsley with curly leaves. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and part of another plate with light-colored mashed potatoes is faintly visible in the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this crispy chicken fried steak with gravy more times than I can count—and honestly, it never gets old. There’s something so satisfying about that crunchy crust paired with rich, velvety gravy that just makes it feel like a warm hug on a plate.

Simple Ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
Quick to Prep & Cook: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Classic Southern Comfort: Brings authentic Southern flavors straight to your kitchen.
Deliciously Crispy Texture: Achieves that perfect crunchy coating every time without feeling greasy.

Ingredients & Why They Work

To make this crispy chicken fried steak with gravy, it’s important to use fresh, quality ingredients. The key is in balancing the seasoned flour coating and the rich, creamy gravy that makes every bite memorable. Here’s a quick rundown of the essentials and why they matter.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, one large whole uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of seasoned salt, a small white ceramic bowl of ground black pepper, a raw pound of cube steaks, a small white ceramic bowl of unsalted butter cubes, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Whole milk: Adds creaminess to both the batter and the gravy for that smooth, luscious texture.
Large egg: Helps bind the flour mixture to the steak, creating the perfect crispy crust.
All-purpose flour: Forms the seasoned coating around the steak and is essential for thickening the gravy.
Seasoned salt (such as Lawry's): Enhances flavor right in the coating for that classic Southern taste.
Ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat and depth.
Cube steaks: These tenderized cuts are ideal for chicken fried steak’s signature texture and tenderness.
Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying to get that crispy, golden exterior without overpowering flavors.
Unsalted butter or reserved cooking oil: Base for making rich, homemade gravy with the perfect buttery taste.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning the gravy to bring it all together.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you want to spice things up, lighten it a bit, or add some seasonal flair, there are simple tweaks that bring your unique touch to this classic Southern comfort food.

Spicy Kick: I love adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the flour mixture. It gives the crust a gentle heat that pairs so well with the creamy gravy.
Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary mixed into the gravy elevate the flavor beautifully, especially when serving in cooler months.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing the crispy coating.
Healthier Twist: Instead of frying, try baking the coated steaks on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. While it's not quite the same, it's a lighter alternative.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a thick meat patty cut in half on a white plate with a white marbled texture surface. The patty has two dense, brown layers of cooked meat with a crispy outer crust, sandwiching a middle layer of creamy white sauce that drips slightly down the sides. The top of the patty is also covered with the same white sauce, which looks smooth and slightly runny. A fork is stuck into the top half of the patty, and in the background, there is a blurred side of light yellow mashed potatoes on the plate. Another plate with a similar dish is out of focus in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisk Together the Batter and Seasoned Flour

Start by combining ¾ cup whole milk and 1 large egg in a shallow bowl, whisking until smooth and well blended. In another shallow dish, mix ¾ cup all-purpose flour with 1½ teaspoons seasoned salt and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper. This combination creates the flavorful coating that will give your steak that irresistible crispy crust. Easy to whip up and ready to catch the steak in all the right spots.

Step 2: Coat the Cube Steaks Thoroughly

Pat your 1 pound of cube steaks dry with paper towels — this is key to helping the coating adhere well. Dredge each steak first in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then dip it into the milk and egg batter. Finally, coat the steak again in the flour mixture, packing on a generous layer. Place the coated steaks on a wire rack to rest while you get the gravy underway. This resting step helps the crust set and prevents it from sliding off when cooking.

Step 3: Heat Up the Oil

Pour enough vegetable oil into a large skillet to reach about ¼ inch deep—this is roughly 1 to 2 cups depending on your pan size. Heat the oil over medium heat until it's shimmering and hot but not smoking. If you have a thermometer, aim for around 350°F. Hot oil is essential—it crisps the coating quickly and keeps the steak juicy inside.

Step 4: Fry the Steaks to Golden Perfection

Fry the coated steaks in batches so you don’t crowd the pan—about 2 minutes on each side. You'll want to see a beautiful golden brown color before flipping. Once cooked, transfer the steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Be sure to reserve ¼ cup of that flavorful cooking oil (or use butter) for making the gravy—this little trick amps up the comfort factor.

Step 5: Whip Up the Creamy Gravy

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup unsalted butter or warm the reserved cooking oil. Whisk in ⅓ cup all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture turns golden and bubbly. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and sets the stage for your luscious gravy.

Step 6: Add Milk and Season to Taste

Slowly pour in 2 cups whole milk while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Keep cooking and whisking frequently for 6 to 8 minutes until the gravy thickens and becomes silky smooth. Finish with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Taste as you go—you want that perfect savory balance to complement your crispy steaks.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Plate your crispy chicken fried steaks and generously ladle the warm, creamy gravy over them. This is the moment when all the flavors come together—a golden, crunchy crust soaked in rich gravy that’s pure Southern comfort. Serve immediately, maybe with mashed potatoes or green beans, and dive in!

Top Tip

Getting your Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe just right takes a few key tricks. These tips will help your steaks come out golden, crunchy, and tender every time!

Pat Steaks Dry: From my experience, drying the cube steaks well before dredging helps the seasoned flour stick better, which means a crispier crust.
Right Oil Temperature: I’ve learned the hard way that frying in oil that’s not hot enough leads to soggy coating. Aim for about 350°F or a shimmering oil to get that perfect crunch.
Double Dredge Technique: Coating the steak twice in the flour mixture with a dip in milk and egg in between really builds that thick, crispy outer layer I love.
Reserve Oil for Gravy: Don’t pour out your frying oil! Reserving ¼ cup to make your gravy adds incredible flavor and richness you won’t want to miss.

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a thick, creamy white sauce in a pan. The sauce has a smooth texture with small specks of black pepper spread throughout, giving it a slightly speckled look. A silver spoon is lifting some of the sauce, showing its thick but flowing consistency. The pan is on a stove, and the background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Some fresh parsley sprinkled over the creamy gravy adds a pop of color and freshness that contrast beautifully with the rich flavors. You can also add a few cracked black peppercorns on top to enhance that peppery kick in the gravy.

Side Dishes

Classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes or buttery green beans make perfect companions. For a heartier meal, try serving with skillet-fried okra, coleslaw, or macaroni and cheese to keep that Southern comfort food vibe strong.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken fried steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This helps maintain the crispiness for when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover steaks for up to 3 months. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container to preserve freshness and prevent freezer burn.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftover chicken fried steak in a skillet over medium heat until warm and the coating re-crisps. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that satisfying crunch. Warm your gravy gently on the stove and pour over before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cut of beef if cube steaks aren't available?

Absolutely! If cube steaks are unavailable, choose a tender cut like sirloin or round steak and tenderize it yourself with a meat mallet until thin and soft before dredging.

What’s the secret to a crispy crust on chicken fried steak?

The key is making sure the oil is hot enough—around 350°F—before frying. Also, double dredging the steak with flour and letting the coating rest briefly helps build a thick, crunchy crust.

Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

You can prepare the gravy a little ahead and gently reheat it. Just be sure to whisk it frequently during reheating to maintain a smooth, lump-free texture.

How do I prevent the coating from falling off during frying?

Patting the steak dry before dredging and allowing the coated steaks to rest on a wire rack before frying helps the coating adhere better and stay intact during cooking.

Final Thoughts

Making Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy at home is such a rewarding experience — from the sizzling sound of the steaks frying to that first bite of tender meat with creamy, peppery gravy. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special weekend treat, this Southern classic brings comfort and joy to any table. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to whip up this delicious recipe and savor every crunchy, savory bite!